Coming off a quick turnaround, the team is ready to keep the good times rolling as they head over the Bass Strait to the Apple Isle for round two of the Championship.

Held at Symmons Plains Raceway, the 2.41-kilometre track is the shortest circuit on the calendar, although this doesn’t mean it’s not designed to test engineers.

The circuit requires a car that is both fast, handles well and has good brakes. Tick these three off the list and you’ll have a chance at being up the front.

THE FACTS

History lesson: This year marks the 45^th time the Championship has visited Symmons Plains, although the circuit was left off the calendar in 2000 before returning in 2004 after upgrades were completed.

What makes this track unique: The hairpin. It is the tightest corner on the calendar and creates an excellent opportunity to overtake.

Grip levels: Medium. After a resurface almost ten years ago the grip has gradually diminished over the years.

Tyre degradation: Low, although it still needs to be considered. The diminishing grip level means an increase in tyre wear; plus the use of the super soft tyre this weekend opens up the strategic window for engineers.

Run-off: High, and generally all areas will be visited during practice as drivers find the track limits.

Safety cars: The last time a Symmons Plains round was completed without the Safety Car appearing all weekend was 1998.

Watch out for: The concertinas at the hairpin; braking from fifth to first gear can sometimes create carnage, especially during the early parts of the race.

Did you know: We just missed the podium in 2014, scoring 4^th in Sunday’s race at Symmons Plains.

FROM THE DRIVERS

David Reynolds – #9 Erebus Penrite Racing

“It’s very a tricky track, there’s only three corners so your car and your tyre phasing needs to be perfect to be on the front row.

“Each corner is fundamentally very different so it’s an engineering nightmare because you can be good at one part and terrible at another. There’s different ways to think about set up but ideally, you’ve got to have a good balanced car for each corner and also straight line speed.

“I think our engines are quite strong, and our braking is good. If we have enough lock to get around the hairpin I think we’ve got a very good slow speed turn car; we’ve got to work on getting off the corner and we’ll have the perfect car.”

Dale Wood – #99 Erebus GB Galvanizing Racing

“Tasmania is a place I have won plenty in other categories. I really like the circuit, it’s only simple on paper but it’s got a few unique spots you don’t find at other tracks.

“The turn 1-2 complex is really cool because you go over a fair hump in the road prior to the entrance, it’s got a big banked hairpin and a long fast back straight.

“The braking into the hairpin always creates some interesting racing and passing maneuvers and is different to any other corner. It’s very unique and there are a couple of big drag strips that are connected to that hairpin so it’s certainly a place for big engine and big balls under brakes.”